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Money & Currency
Currency, credit cards, duty-free savings, tipping culture, and how much to budget
Verified 2026 · Island Seeker Editorial
quick answer
Guam uses the US Dollar (USD) as its only currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widely available throughout Tumon and Tamuning. As a duty-free US territory, Guam offers significantly lower prices on imported goods — especially cosmetics, alcohol, and luxury brands — compared to Japan and South Korea.
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Live exchange rates
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Currency
US Dollar (USD) — the only currency accepted
Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Amex accepted almost everywhere
ATMs
Available in hotels, malls, and convenience stores
Duty-free
No GST/VAT — significant savings vs Japan & Korea
Guam is a US territory and uses the US Dollar (USD) exclusively. No other currency is accepted at businesses or ATMs. If you're travelling from Japan, Korea, or another country, you will need to exchange your local currency for USD before or upon arriving in Guam.
Currency exchange is available at the airport (Antonio B. Won Pat International) and in major hotels and shopping centres in Tumon. Rates at the airport are typically less favourable than at banks or dedicated exchange services in town. Some hotels offer currency exchange at the front desk.
Credit and debit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are accepted at virtually all hotels, restaurants, tour operators, shopping malls, and larger local businesses. American Express is widely accepted at upmarket establishments. Discover is less common.
Japanese JCB cards are accepted at many businesses in Tumon due to the high volume of Japanese tourists — look for the JCB logo at the payment terminal.
Always inform your bank or card issuer before travelling to avoid international transaction blocks. Check whether your card charges foreign transaction fees — if it does, consider bringing cash for smaller purchases.
As of early 2026, indicative exchange rates are approximately 1 USD = 150 JPY (Japanese Yen) and 1 USD = 1,350 KRW (Korean Won). Rates fluctuate daily, so check a live rate before your trip for accurate budgeting.
For Japanese and Korean visitors, Guam often feels excellent value — especially for dining and activities — given the relative strength of the USD against these currencies. Duty-free shopping amplifies this further.
When withdrawing from ATMs, choose to be charged in USD (not your home currency) to avoid the bank's Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) markup, which can add 3–5% to your transaction.
Guam is one of the most popular duty-free shopping destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting particularly large numbers of Japanese and Korean shoppers. Because Guam is a US territory, it charges no Guam VAT or import duties on most goods — and Guam itself has no general sales tax.
Luxury cosmetics, fragrances, spirits, tobacco, and high-end fashion brands can be significantly cheaper in Guam than in Japan or Korea. T Galleria by DFS (in Tumon) is Guam's flagship duty-free department store, stocking international luxury brands. Guam Premium Outlets offers discounted US brand prices.
Chamorro Village Night Market and local craft stalls are great for affordable local souvenirs including woven items, hot sauces, coconut products, and CHamoru-inspired gifts.
Tipping is customary in Guam, following US mainland standards. In restaurants, a tip of 15–20% of the bill is expected for sit-down service. Many restaurants now automatically add a service charge for larger groups — check your bill before adding extra.
Taxi drivers typically receive 10–15%. Hotel bellhops and housekeeping are tipped $1–$2 per bag and $1–$3 per night respectively. Tour guides and activity staff are generally tipped $5–$10 per person for a half-day tour, more for full-day experiences.
Unlike many Asian destinations, leaving the change or a tip of just a few cents is considered somewhat rude. Round up generously, or leave a specific dollar amount.
questions & answers
Does Guam have a sales tax?
Guam does not have a general sales tax in the same way as US states. Instead, Guam has a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) which is charged to businesses, not directly to consumers as a line item on receipts. In practice, prices at most stores are the sticker price — you won't see a sales tax added at checkout.
Can I use Japanese Yen or Korean Won in Guam?
No — Guam only accepts US Dollars. You must exchange or convert your currency to USD. Currency exchange is available at Guam's airport, major hotels, and some shopping centres in Tumon.
Should I exchange money before visiting Guam?
It's convenient to have some USD before you arrive, particularly for tips and small purchases. However, exchange rates at your home bank or airport are often similar to those in Guam. ATMs in Tumon are widely available and often offer competitive rates. Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport due to less favourable rates.
How much cash should I bring to Guam?
Most transactions in Guam can be made by card. A daily cash budget of $50–$100 is typically sufficient for tips, small food purchases, and market shopping. Carry more if visiting smaller local restaurants or the Chamorro Village Night Market, where some vendors are cash-only.
Are credit cards accepted everywhere in Guam?
Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all hotels, large restaurants, shopping malls, and established tour operators. However, smaller local eateries, some market stalls, and the Chamorro Village Night Market vendors are often cash-only. Carry $50–$100 USD in cash for markets, tips, and small purchases. JCB cards are widely accepted in Tumon due to the large volume of Japanese visitors.
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